The Monterey City Council early Wednesday wrapped up a long session devoted to tackling growing concerns about the city's homeless from two directions.

Late Tuesday, the council said it wanted to consider creating new prohibitions on overnight parking in commercial areas and no-smoking areas downtown and on Fisherman's Wharf. But the council dropped a controversial suggestion to follow the lead of some other cities by passing a "sit-lie" ordinance — a measure condemned by dozens of homeless people and their advocates.

Shortly before midnight, the council began looking at a number of suggestions that could help homeless people while reducing complaints about panhandling, vandalism, overnight parking, camping and other issues.

"There was a fair amount of work tasked to staff," said Assistant City Manager Mike McCarthy. The council likely will receive additional information in July, he said.

One thing the council ruled out: allowing camping in neighborhood parks.

But the council agreed to look into several other options without formally endorsing any, McCarthy said.

They were:

· A regional shelter program.

· A police officer liaison with the homeless community. "They are looking for someone to be downtown on a regular basis," McCarthy said.

During Tuesday's hearing, several downtown property owners and business people said panhandlers are hurting the area. A temporary police detail has alleviated some of the concerns.

· Providing bus passes to enable homeless people to get back and forth more easily between Monterey and other communities where there are shelters, meals and other services.

· Trying to create a jobs program.

· A "street ambassador" program downtown, which could tie in with a police liaison.

McCarthy said some of the suggestions would have higher costs than others, and the city doesn't have much money to add programs to its budget.

But Councilman Alan Haffa, who has pressed for the council to take a "holistic" approach to homelessness, said Wednesday that he was gratified by the council's action.

"All together we ended up with a balanced approach that I'm hopeful will address the needs of businesses, neighborhoods and the homeless in need," Haffa said. "I'm really proud the council showed vision and leadership."